Hello!
My name is Pedro Javier Ruiz-Aular. I am originally from a small city, San Carlos, Venezuela. I grew up between the city and family farm. I am the oldest of three. My origins are from farmers, who were linked with agriculture, livestock, and love for nature.
When I was a child, I felt the call to love and serve God’s people. From an early age, I felt a penchant for religious life. During my studies in high school, I felt a sense in my heart that Jesus was calling me to serve God as a priest. It was a big impulse, a falling in love with God, but for different reasons I took another way. I got some academic and scientific degrees in different universities around the world. I worked at a university as a director and professor in different levels. However, despite professional development, as well as academic, scientific, and professional success, I felt empty in my life, because I was not listening to the call from God.
After a weekend retreat, my life changed and I started to experience the fire of the Holy Spirit and love of God in my life. Then, I started to be very active in pastoral ministry at my home parish, organizing retreats, catechizing youth, praying in the prayer groups, and helping the poor, marginalized, and the most in need.
Thus, I was open to hear the call of God and obey him. Thus, I started to think about the seminary in 2013 after meditation with the Lord, and prayers in front of the Blessed Sacrament, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Finally, I took the decision to apply at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in 2015, and I started the first talks with Fr. Luke Strand there. I entered into the seminary in August 2016.
After six years of formation, I was ordained on May 21, 2022. That day was the most beautiful and important day of my life. I could feel the blessing of God, and his presence in my life and my heart. I am very happy and blessed to be assigned as an associate pastor at Holy Family in Fond du Lac to serve God’s people with love and kindness.
– Fr. Pedro